Thanking Your Body + The Earth: How To Make Your Sweat Sesh More *Green*

Thanking Your Body + The Earth: How To Make Your Sweat Sesh More *Green*

Especially around Earth Day, we all want to do what we can to help the environment. Working out is like writing a little love letter to our bodies, but what if it could show the planet some love when we work out, too? There are so many small things you can do during your sweat sesh that’ll make a huge difference for the planet —

TAKE YOUR SWEAT SESH OUTSIDE

Now that the weather is getting warmer [hello, spring!], it’s the perfect excuse to take your workouts outside + enjoy the sunshine. You can walk, run, or bike around your neighborhood instead of using the energy of a treadmill or stationary bike. Not in the mood for cardio? There are plenty of HIIT workouts that don’t require weights + are still super effective — you won’t even miss the gym!

WALK // BIKE TO THE GYM

If you do decide to go to the gym, you can still be environmentally-friendly by walking or biking to the gym rather than driving. Bonus: you’ll save money on gas + you’ll get your warm-up in early. ; )

USE REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES

Instead of using cheap plastic water bottles then throwing them away when you’re done, invest in water bottles made of safer plastic, glass, or stainless steel. You can even get reusable water bottles with infusers in them — have fun with it + make your own creations to sip on during your sweat sesh ++ during the day!

DON’T WASH YOUR GEAR RIGHT AWAY

Okay, you should eventually wash your gear, but one of the great things about workout clothes is that you actually don’t have to wash them after every single use. Save some energy + wear your clothes for a few workouts before washing them!

WEAR SUSTAINABLE WORKOUT GEAR

Many companies that sell workout gear are hopping on the sustainable clothing train — from Gaiam, to Patagonia, to North Face, more brands are realizing the importance of quality over quantity. Although a lot of sustainable + eco-friendly clothing tend to be pricey, in a world full of *fast fashion*, the more expensive // well-made option will get you more use in the long run.

MAKE YOUR POST-WORKOUT MEAL MORE SUSTAINABLE

It may be the last thing on your mind when it comes to thinking about how to make your workouts eco-friendly, but what you eat after your workout is worth thinking about. Is your post-workout meal a packaged protein bar or an energy drink? Most of the time, the ingredients aren’t sustainable, + the packaging isn’t either! Of course everything is fine in moderation, but if you’re trying to be more environmentally-conscious, ditch the plastics + packaged foods for some eco-friendly #CHAARGeats. Try hitting up your local farmer’s market for some organic + fresh foods that will make your tummy ++ the planet happy! : )

If you put some thought into how + where you workout, ++ even into what you eat afterwards, you can take steps towards protecting the health of our planet. Each action may seem small, but they will seriously add up over time. When you’re taking the time to show your body some love, extend the same feelings toward the Earth — we only have one, + like our bodies, it deserves to be taken care of! : )

++Ashleigh Monaco [ashvm_inchaarg] // University of Iowa

Thanking Your Body + The Earth: How To Make Your Sweat Sesh More *Green*2017-12-142019-02-06https://chaarg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/logo_blue-20.pngCHAARGhttps://chaarg.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/my-body-ft.png200px200px

CHAARG is a health + fitness community on 50+ college campuses. We liberate girls from the elliptical ++ show them that fitness can [+ should!] be fun by partnering with local fitness studios, as well as creating our own FitPlans [virtual workout programs]. Our mission is to empower every CHAARG girl to be the best version of herself.

CHAARG is a health + fitness community on 50+ college campuses.

We liberate girls from the elliptical ++ show them that fitness can [+ should!] be fun by partnering with local fitness studios, as well as creating our own FitPlans [virtual workout programs]. Our mission is to empower every CHAARG girl to be the best version of herself.